When I arrived at the Museum of World Religions, I did not expect to end my day roaring out loud with a large group of women and men, thrusting my fists forward in a rare moment of community connection, but that is exactly what happened, and it felt liberating.

The event was Bridging Ancient Wisdom and the Modern World organised by the Museum of World Religions and Red Room to celebrate International Women’s Day with the #EmbraceEquity. It was more than a celebration, inspiring, educational, thought provoking and rooted in the history of Taiwan’s indigenous females, some who had sadly passed away before the event had taken place.

Expecting to see mostly women in the room, I was emboldened to see men, also here to learn and celebrate the women of Taiwan. One of the speakers on the day Elisa Chiu – CEO at Anchor Taiwan couldn’t have voiced it better when she said to the room “we need more allies, it’s a movement”. The men I met from the USA, Mexico and Taiwan all expressed that they were keen to support. JJ. Chen photographer at the event said,

“one common thread was, regardless of their respective environment, just how hard it is for women to thrive in a generally male-dominated environment. That’s certainly nothing new but hearing it directly from each of their perspectives was certainly eye opening just how much we, males, take everything for granted”.

However, the power of women was the reason I was there, and it was felt strongly in the room. The day started with video messages collected from the female Elders of the tribes of Taiwan, Kanakanavu, Atayal and Paiwan were all represented by indigenous women sharing their stories. The remaining 13 tribes of Taiwan were honoured in name and image. The themes of the stories were moving and similar, the impact of colonialism on the women’s language, culture and identity still present today as they expressed the hardships of fitting into a society forced upon them. The strength of the role of the mother and the wisdom passed down through generations was enlightening to hear and something that today can be easily forgotten. I couldn’t help but think of my own mother and how easy it is to take this important relationship for granted. From the UK, now living in Taiwan, I am guilty of not calling enough, and certainly not telling her how her love and wisdom, often displayed in quiet actions, continues to shape me into the woman I am today.

This theme continued as we heard from a panel of talented, dedicated speakers. Elisa Chiu– CEO of Anchor Taiwan, Romona Guan – Global Value Business Director at FiO Taiwan, Lou Mo – Artist and Curator, Dr Malabika Das – Health and Wellness Practitioner and Mulinung Tangiradan -Indigenous Culture and Youth, made for a diverse panel of women all keen to share their own wisdom and experiences. The session was moderated expertly by Dr. Christie Chang as she allowed space for each speaker, whilst encouraging attendees in the room to connect, ask questions, and share our own experiences. It is rare to find not only a safe space, but a brave space. One where I feel unbridled by my own anxieties with courage to share and participate fully. As a regular Red Room Rendezvous patron, I am aware that the Red Room culture prides itself in listening and connection at all their events and this was no exception, aided by the warm welcome of the museum staff and the calming atmosphere of the museum itself.

The first question put to the panel asked them to define what wisdom they would wish to pass down to the next generation. Interestingly, they all responded with answers relating to their mothers, many of whom acknowledged that it is only now, since they have grown older that they can appreciate what the relationship has given to them, namely the importance of sharing, tolerance, bravery, negotiation. This served to highlight the impact that the indigenous women’s messages had on the room, as it seemed we all had a shared moment of reflection of what came before, rather than after. This was fitting for the theme of the day and echoed the fluidity of the panel responding to what was present in the room.

We were all clearly moved listening to Mulinung share that

“as a girl my mother told me that there is nothing I can give to you, I don’t have a beautiful house, a nice car, money, even this land does not belong to me. Your life and breath belong to the almighty and you have to give to yourself. The only thing that I can give is belief and the courage to face challenges, legs to walk forward, eyes to see the truth, hands to work hard, and the spirit to live”.

I found myself feeling glad that I came today, strengthened by being in a room full of women willing to share and be vulnerable to our emotions, honoured that the panel had taken the time out of their Saturday to share their wisdom with us.

The sharing of wisdom continued unabated throughout the morning. Romona spoke with humour and passion about being a woman in the world of tech, she was defiant in her belief that women should be collaborating rather than in competition and that she is here for the next generation to tell them “don’t worry we will back you up”.

Lou was fascinating as we heard about her experiences as a lone, small Asian female travelling in West Africa for her art, often asked what are you doing here? Calling on all of us to reflect on the importance of trust, “how do we want to be in the world with others, how do we trust them and allow them to trust you?”

Malabika spoke fondly of her experience of spirituality and the importance of knowing our whole selves to be able to act with knowledge and intent. “Visualise things, and put your intentions out there, things will come your way”.

It was clear that Elisa had built a company from the ground up and it was useful to hear such practical advice that as a woman in a man’s world “we have 3 options, 1. do nothing, 2. fight within the existing system or 3. go outside of it and make something new”. She chose to make something new and I felt very grateful that she had, not only to be able to model to young Taiwanese women, this is what you can achieve.

Mulinung gave us an alternative example of fighting within the existing system, as she acknowledged that the division of labour within the tribes of Taiwan is changing. Whilst culture and traditions are still passed down, men can become weavers and women hunters. My own assumptions challenged, I felt privileged to be in this space with these incredible women.

Throughout the session, we were treated to full simultaneous interpretation. Not really being sure what this meant, I was impressed to be handed a small machine with an earpiece in exchange for my ARC. Whenever one of the panellists was speaking, I just had to hold the piece to my ear, and I could hear everything in English! This was the first event I had attended in Taiwan that felt fully inclusive and accessible for English or Mandarin speakers.

“I was very impressed with how accessible this event was. As I mentioned to a few people I met on the day, I was looking for a way to celebrate International Women’s Day in Taipei. I would like to thank everyone that helped to organise this important conference and the guests who shared their personal life experiences, I couldn’t ask for a better-found opportunity to meet and discuss ideas with empowering women from diverse backgrounds”.

Alexandra – Event Attendee

The final question to the panel summed up what we were all feeling in the room. Christie asked the panellists to go back to the original question of what is the one thing that you would pass down to the next generation? Mulinung answered simply “愛 – love”. This takes me back to where I started, roaring out loud with a large group of women and men, thrusting my fists forward in a rare moment of community connection as Malabika asked us to join together to roar like lions, powerful, strong and majestic. It was the perfect end to a day full of connection and optimism. I was reminded that as women we are positive, passionate, funny, humble and open. We seek to empower each other to not hold back. Go out there, make change happen, make mistakes, be brave, we are here to support you.

If that is not a clear message to #EmbraceEquity, then I don’t know what is.

“I enjoyed most the understanding of unconditional love from different angles. For me, connecting with ancient wisdom is to reconnect with the intuitive spiritual energy that sits within us and drives us through time”.

Alexandra – Event Attendee

Love and Wisdom
Gemma Green

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